Page 77 of Hot Blooded
“Mr. Bower,” Wilson reaches out and shakes the man’s hand. “May I introduce Mr. Tryst.”
“Hello, sir,” I say, offering the man my hand. He takes it, but there is hesitation there.
“A lawyer told me I could sue you,” Mr. Bower blurts out.
Wilson, ever the smooth talker, bursts into a laugh. “Predatory attorneys, always out looking for a way to stir up drama. But in all seriousness, Mr. Bower, we respect your decision not to pursue a suit at this time. Mr. Tryst is of course still paying for Henrick’s ongoing mentorship.”
Just then, a very calm looking Henrick appears, silently, as if stepping from the shadows like the newborn predator he is.
The four of us all jump with a startle. “Henrick,” Wilson laughs, slapping the vampire on his shoulder. It’s probably not the best move, to be testing the limits of a young one like this, but Wilson obviously doesn’t know better.
Seeing the look in Henrick’s eyes, I step in between them and offer Henrick a firm shake. “It’s great to see you looking so well.”
“Hmm,” Henrick replies, looking me over. “Yes.”
Then he looks around. “Where is Tressa?”
Annoyance that he asked about Tressa flares through me, but I tramp the emotion down. “I’m not sure. She has moved out,” I answer.
Henrick nods but doesn’t say more on the subject. I certainly don’t expect much warmth from him. I know I sure as hell would never thank the man who turned me.
Finally, they call our case, the awkward party is broken up as we take our places. Wilson reads his opening remarks. The prosecution does the same.
Movement at the back catches my eye. It’s Alastair. He shoots me a look of scorn, obviously hurt that I haven’t brought him in the loop. He’s been asking me about it all month, but I’ve been vague. I guess he found out after all, though.
As the attorney argues it out, showing the horrifying film of Henrick dying, my changing him over, I scan the crowd to see their reactions. There’s a mix of fascination, horror and intrigueon everyone’s faces. I believe this might be the first time a transition has been caught on film.
The expert witnesses go next. A physician Wilson hired to confirm that Henrick didn’t stand a chance of survival. A representative from the vampire rights council attesting to the gift of eternal life that Henrick was provided. Then finally, Henrick takes the stand.
My stomach tightens. I glance back at Alastair, who is sharing a look with Henrick. Here goes nothing.
“Mr. Bower. Can you please tell the court your opinion on the matter of the non-consensual transformation that took place,” Wilson starts.
Henrick wipes an unexpected tear from his eye. What in the hell?
“Your honor, I would have been dead, had it not been for Mr. Tryst’s quick thinking. I understand he has broken the law. But can you really tell me that my life was not worth saving?”
I look back to Alastair who gives me the most subtle wink.What did he do?
When the judge dismisses us for lunch, I practically chew my nails off waiting for the verdict. Finally, she calls us back into session.
“Mr. Tryst. Given the evidence I have heard from both sides. Despite your serious lack of judgement, I believe that you were reacting to a stressful situation, delivering life-saving aid. In light of the Good Samaritan Law, and respecting the idea that you were under great psychological distress upon witnessing theunexpected death of this young man. I hereby clear you of all charges.”
A sigh of relief washes through me and my shoulders fall slightly. Wilson pats my shoulder.
“However. I want to warn you, Mr. Tryst, that your actions may never be repeated. Turn another human, and I will have you locked up so fast your head will spin.”
“Yes, your honor,” I nod in agreement.
As we escape the courtroom, I catch up with Alastair. “Thank you.”
“For what?” he smirks.
“Whatever insane thing you did to make that happen.”
“Well, I am pretty amazing. Don’t forget it next time I cross you.”
“Planning on crossing me?” I question.
